Hello hello friends from all over! I am SO excited to share this post with you - although it's slightly different than what you're used to seeing from me.

Over the past year or so I've been slowly (turtle-speed slow) re-doing my little house - which has involved mostly painting, both walls and trim. Needless to say, I hate that part - which is why it's taken over a year and still isn't complete. BUT, the majority is, which has led me to more fun budget-friendly DIY projects. Which in-turn, leads me to this post - how I created my new back splash on a pretty strict budget.

While I would LOVE some cool tile or glass back splash, it's just not feasible right now. However, I recently found out about faux-tiles. What??? Faux tiling? Yes, it's a thing and absolutely for those who are needing some inexpensive and easy DIY home projects.

Did you know you can find faux tile at a variety of places including Home Depot and Wal-Mart? Home Depot DEFINITELY has more in-store options, but I just happened to like the black-and-white mosaic option I found at Wal-Mart. Their price was just under $20 per package (4 sheets, 10.5"x10.5" each) and I used three packages (so just under $60 total). Just an FYI, numerous stores, including both Home Depot and Wal-Mart have dozens of options online, I just wanted to see/touch what I was getting.

Aside from time, the only other supply I used was a retractable utility knife (only a few bucks if you do not already have one).

You guys, hanging these couldn't be easier - at least on your more open areas. I admit, the more cutting I had to do, the trickier it got. Some areas (going up the side of my window in particular), although I did measure the amount of tile I needed, I "eyeballed" my cuts as for some reason, when I did the measure-and-cut method, my strips kept coming out crooked. I know that's exactly opposite of what you would think, but, it worked for me. I'd like to say my sheets were crooked (obviously), but I'm fairly certain it was actually user error:)

I did have a few trouble areas where I just couldn't get things lined up properly, but I think I'm (hopefully) the only one who will ever be able to notice those particular spots.

Stay tuned for more...my goal is to bring you at least one affordable DIY per month - yay!!!

Black Coffee Beautiful

Lifestyle blog with a focus in the areas of style and beauty.

So glad you stopped by! I'm Laura, a life and style blogger, tech geek and coffee lover (isn't everyone?). Catch me in the Midwest, Valpo to be exact, out for a run, or hanging with my cheer and dance teams. Or ya know, you could stay here and read a post or two:)

Drop Me a line: Laura@blackcoffeebeautiful.com

That feeling when you're hair is so soft, you can't help but touch it:) I'm telling you guys, I LOVE seeing so many brands incorporating natural ingredients into their lines. (#AD) And just in time for the cold-weather season, I'm so excited Biotera Natural Origin Hair Products are available right at my local @SallyBeauty! With seven color-safe products to Nurture, Restore, or Renew, regardless of the help your hair needs, they've got something for you! The line offers up to 97% naturally derived ingredients...97%!!!! @NaturalellePro is also free from sulfates, silicones, parabens and dyes all while featuring biodegradable formulas and 100% recyclable packaging. I've been using the NURTURE Shampoo and Conditioner and my hair has felt so soft and smells amazing! The RENEW Silky Milk leave-in conditioner is great for detangling and to help control frizz and static. When my hair really feels the static, which is currently happening regularly, I'll spritz on my hands and gently run through my ends. Ba-bye static! Three cheers for healthy hair that doesn't cost a fortune this season! #HairCareWithIntegrity

Happy Sunday everyone! A new post is live (link in profile) and I'm talking alllll about the 5 things you need in your closet right now. You know, things like flannel, and boots and pumpkin pie...basically, like, fall essentials. And P.S. JK about the Pumpkin pie (unless you have it in your closet bc you don't want anyone else eating it, that actually makes sense)...just seeing if you were reading this🤷‍♀️🥧 😘 #flannels #thanksgivingday #MyPrettyLife

I had SUCH a great time styling looks for @gordmans shoppers at their Valpo location yesterday. (#AD) Stop by this weekend to see/shop the pieces and vote for your favorite in my stories! Ironically, the sweater I'm wearing here was an Express item I found at Gordman's last winter for just $5!!! #GotItAtGordmans #MyPrettyLife

Keep hanging on. Imagine a world without Walt Disney. He was fired from a newspaper for lack of imagination. R.H. Macy had a long series of failed retail ventures before launching Macy's and Co. Col. Sanders was fired repeatedly before creating a fried chicken empire. Thomas Edison's teachers told him he was "too stupid to learn." Theodore Seuss Geisel, (yeah, Dr. Seuss) had his first book rejected 27 times. Lucille Ball was known as "The Queen of B Movies" before the creation of I Love Lucy (which I turn on every morning at 5:30...almost 70 years later). Lady Gaga was dropped by her record label after 3 months (anyone think they're kicking themselves now?!?). Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team. It's ok to fail, it's not ok to give up. So to any if you who have failed at anything, congratulations! You seem to be keeping the best company😘😘😘 Linking above to my current favorite jeans...I love this color for winter!

Me at the beginning of the day, "awww, the snow is so pretty." Me at the end of the day, "that's it, I'm moving to Florida." This skirt is no longer available and I did find a ton of similar options (for like $500),so instead, linking to a cute winter dress I'm swooning over in my profile. What's your preference, ❄️ or 🌞?? #MyPrettyLife #ShopStyle

Well guys it's, here. I think we can officially say cold and flu season is upon us🤒 (#AD) This year I'm doing something soooo novel. So unique. So unheard of. I'm prepping for it before it hits with @lipton #Theraflu and #Kleenex, all available at your local @krogerco. Crazy right, I mean, you are probably thinking, "wouldn't you rather get really sick and feel like garbage, THEN head to the store to pick some things up?" While that's tempting and all, I think I'll try it this way😉😉😉 Read all about this crazy concept in my post I've linked to above😘 #FluSeasonHacks

Don't believe everything you read guys. Like your calendar that says winter starts December 21st. Lies. (#AD) While I'm not a fan of the cold, I am a HUGE fan of these Felicia Boots by @bornfootwear I got at @zappos that I'll be sporting during winter, which, in my eyes, started yesterday with our first snow. And these cute boots aren't just easy on the eyes, thanks to their cloud-like footbed, they're easy on the feet as well, so I can stroll alllll through town day and night in comfort. Yay me🤗🤗🤗 Have you all ever ordered from Zappos before??? OMG, they're so quick! I ordered these on a Wednesday and had them by the weekend without selecting special shipping! Plus they offer a 365-day return policy (crazy, right), soooo, yeah, they're pretty awesome😍😍😍 Link to boots in profile! #ZapposStyle #TakeComfort
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. Quick fact: Zappos was the first brand to "regram" me about a million and one years ago. It honestly made me smile for about a week straight...I think I even slept with a smile on my face 😁😁😁 They won me over for life that Friday night (and yes, I remember distinctly it was a cold Friday night). My ❤️ has forever been grateful.

One more leaf pic because all of them blew down and the trees are bare already😢😢😢 #WinterIsComing #ForRealTho

Chicago area friends, this post is for you! Come out to Macy's State Street this Thursday, November 8th at 6:00 p.m. for a delicious evening with chef @rick_bayless! (#AD) Can't wait to hear all of his top-secret chef secrets😉😉 If you can't make it, be sure to follow my stories for live coverage! #CulinaryCouncil #macys

New week, new day, and a new opportunity to improve our health! (#ad) These Omax3 Ultra-Pure supplements from @omaxhealth are created using a patented formula with 4x EPA to target muscle recovery, inflammation and joint pain! I don't want to name names 😉😉😉, BUT, it's possible I know someone starting new workouts and she MAYBE needs help with muscle recovery. You know that feeling right? Muscles so sore you can't hardly get out of bed? Or so stiff every time you take a step you get a liiiiittle nervous you might end up falling over? I feel like that everytime I start a new type of workout and although the supplements haven't taken away that feeling completely, they have absolutely minimized the soreness and stiffness I usually feel! Yayyy! Happy Monday everyone! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

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